Return policies vary. Know the store’s return policy before you buy that gift. Save and file all receipts! Get that gift receipt. The receipt usually has a barcode along the bottom so that the retailer can call up the transaction information from a database of previous purchases, authenticating a return. Gift receipts really do help make the return process a smooth one.” Without it you will get the lower price for the item. It’s great when you see the gift receipt just laying in the box after you pull out the gift.
Some stores have a restocking fee. Do not open the box if you know that you are going to return the item.
Provide the entire packaging if you couldn’t resist opening the gift.

In addition to the rules of returns, here are a few things to find out before you purchase a gift online:
Know the process: Who pays for return shipping --you or the merchant? Some merchants will pick up the delivery charges for exchanges, but not for returns; others offer free return shipping on every return.
Where to make returns: Does the retailer have a physical store, and can returns or exchanges be made there? Make sure you have the correct address if you need to mail returns back to the company. Some merchants have offsite service centers to handle returns that may be in a different location from where the merchandise is sent.
Be patient. Remember, the week after Christmas is one of the busiest weeks of the year for retailers. With people’s frustration high and tolerance low, be patient when returning merchandise.
It’s great when you see the gift receipt just laying in the box after you pull out the gift.Tweet